City and county populations largely unchanged

Craig's population is relatively unchanged since the 2000 census, according to recent Census Bureau estimates.

Craig's population on July 1, 2004 -- the most recent numbers available -- was 9,220, according to the report.

The 2004 population is up slightly from the 2000 census, when Craig had 9,189 people, but down from 2002 when the bureau estimated Craig had 9,243 people.

Moffat County's population is up slightly from 2000, according to the report.

The bureau estimates the county's population to be 13,468 in 2004, up from 13,184 in 2000 and 13,424 in 2003.

Moffat County had 162 births in 2004, down from 182 in 2003 and 208 in 2002

The county had 76 deaths in 2004.

The Census Bureau estimates the population of every incorporated town and county in the nation annually on July 1.

Annual estimates are based on the "housing unit method," which looks at things like the number of building permits and mobile-home shipments. It also takes into account the number of people living in group quarters, such as military barracks, dormitories and retirement homes with cafeterias.

Those numbers are compared to the previous census to get an estimate.

The population estimate in 2000 differed from the census by just four people.

Pat Rodriguez, data specialist for the census bureau's Denver region, said the Census Bureau conducts annual estimates so they know what's happening between the censuses, which are conducted every ten years.

"A lot can happen in 10 years," Rodriguez said.

The Denver region covers ten states.

Brandon Johansson can be reached at 824-7031 or bjohansson@craigdailypress.com